Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Pub , situated in the center of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my recent visit at this establishment turned into one of the worst experiences of my life . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its threshold was disturbing and far below any standard .
The State of Affairs: Grimy and Abandoned
From the moment I crossed the threshold, it was apparent that cleanliness was not a priority at this bar . The ground was covered in grime , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and neglected washrooms polluted the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of ammonia , old age and sour vomit . The main bar, which should be the focal point of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and refuse that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The lavatory was in even a truly awful state— spilling over , with a snapped lever and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. After reading through multiple accounts and conversing with residents , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at Masterson’s another article is a persistent problem . Many patrons have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and traces of mice in the basement . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the quality of anything they serve .
Misconduct by Ownership : Accusations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his interactions at the pub and beyond .
During my time there, I saw how uneasy several women seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , I was stunned to find allegations against him involving misconduct , with multiple women alleging that he of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , Cornwell’s misconduct has created an intimidating space for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a genial proprietor .
Employee Actions : Part of the Problem or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her inaction adds a troubling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .